PENSHURST WEST NEWS

Penshurst West Public School

PENSHURST WEST NEWS

Penshurst West Public School

Welcome to Term 3!

I would like to welcome everyone back to what is shaping up to be a busy term already!

The Executive Team have been working on updating the look of our newsletter, as well as ensuring the information delivered is accurate and beneficial to our school community. Please continue to give us feedback as this is the best way for us to meet the needs of our community.

I look forward to seeing you all at the numerous school events we have over the upcoming fortnight.

Mrs Sarafoski

Acting Principal

Parent Teacher Interviews

Just a reminder that it is Parent-Teacher Interview week this week. This term we trialled a new online booking system and feedback was positive from both parents and teachers. If you haven't made a time to see your child's teacher, please do so. It is an important time for us to discuss your child's achievements and learning goals for the future.

Staffing News

As you all know, Mrs Jenkins is now the Principal of Sylvania Heights Public School. Until a Principal is appointed to our school, the position will be filled by myself (weeks 1-3), Mrs O'Brien (weeks 4-6) and Mr Ackerman (weeks 7-10). During term 3, Miss Leece will be a relieving Assistant Principal. Please feel free to see either of us with any matters you may wish to discuss.

NAIDOC Week

This week we celebrated NAIDOC week at school. NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Mrs O'Brien organised some fantastic activities, including petition writing (this years theme), Aboriginal dance and art, all which were culminated in a whole school assembly on Thursday. I felt very proud listening to our students sing the National Anthem in traditional Aboriginal language. Thank you to Mr James Wilson-Miller for also contributing to our NAIDOC activities, Terry Olsen "Uncle Terry" who taught the children some Aboriginal dances and to Becky Beetson for her Aboriginal art activities.

Athletics Carnival

Unfortunately, we have had to postpone our Athletics Carnival twice due to wet or inclement weather. Years 3-6 will (hopefully!) hold the track events on Thursday 25 July at Old's Park, while years K-2 will run their carnival at the school on the same day. Fingers crossed for great weather!

Education Week

Week 3 marks Education Week in all Public Schools. The theme for this year is 'Celebrating our stories' - an opportunity for schools to document and share their proudest moments. During Education week, our creative arts groups will perform at Hurstville Westfield on Monday, 29 July. Join us on Tuesday, 30 July for our Art Show and Open Day.

Art Show

Our little artists and their teachers have been very busy creating amazing artworks for our biannual art show! "Art Through the Ages" will see our school converted to an Art Gallery that every student has contributed to. See you at the show on Tuesday, 30 July (11.45-12.30 and 3.30-5.00).

Athletics Carnival

Unfortunately, we have had to postpone our Athletics Carnival twice due to wet or inclement weather. Years 3-6 will (hopefully!) hold the track events on Thursday 25 July at Old's Park, while years K-2 will run their carnival at the school on the same day. Fingers crossed for great weather!

Education Week

Week 3 marks Education Week in all Public Schools. The theme for this year is 'Celebrating our stories' - an opportunity for schools to document and share their proudest moments. During Education week, our creative arts groups will perform at Hurstville Westfield on Monday, 29 July. Join us on Tuesday, 30 July for our Art Show and Open Day.

Art Show

Our little artists and their teachers have been very busy creating amazing artworks for our biannual art show! "Art Through the Ages" will see our school converted to an Art Gallery that every student has contributed to. See you at the show on Tuesday, 30 July (11.45-12.30 and 3.30-5.00).

Resiliency

We are very pleased to be implementing a new program in our classes called 'MindUP'. It is a classroom based program which focuses on developing resiliency in our children. Research has shown that children who participate in this program enhance their learning potential and their ability to empathise, as well as decrease their anxiety levels. Thank you to Mrs Lopes who has prepared the program for the school. We will also include information in our newsletter outlining what we are doing at school and what you can do at home.

Enrolling now for Kindy 2014

We are now taking enrolments for Kindergarten 2014. If you have any children who will be starting Kindy next year, or know of any family or friends who are ready to enrol, please see our office staff for enrolment forms. It is important that this is done promptly to ensure participation in our Orientation and Kindy Start programs.

Being such a busy and exciting term, I hope that our term calendar has a special place on your fridge. Please refer to the calendar, our website and our new, OFFICIAL FACEBOOK page for regular information about school events and activities.